The Toronto Blue Jays have overcome a rocky start to the season and surged to the top of the American League East. They now have a four-game lead over the New York Yankees.
The trade deadline is now a week away, and the Blue Jays will likely operate much differently this time around. Last year, they were sellers and punted on the season.
One area that could use some work is their starting rotation. They have a solid group, but one more arm could be most beneficial.
Patrick Mooney and Will Sammon recently discussed right-hander Zac Gallen in The Athletic. The Blue Jays were listed as a possible fit.
"With both Gallen and [Sandy] Alcantara, it will be a question of whether their respective teams would trade them for what they are now, or what they once were at their peaks. The Padres, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays are among the clubs that could play in this part of the pitching market."
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The Arizona Diamondbacks are likely to sell after being swept by the Houston Astros and falling to three games below .500. Gallen is a free agent at the end of the year.
Normally, that would command a massive return, but Gallen has struggled this year, going 7-11 with a 5.58 ERA in 21 starts. Still, he could benefit from a change of scenery.
Arizona is falling out of contention, while Toronto is tied for the best record in the American League with the Astros. Gallen was instrumental in Arizona's run to the World Series in 2023.
His postseason experience and track record could significantly benefit the Blue Jays rotation down the stretch. It will be interesting to see if Toronto decides to target him.
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